EMC CEO says 'will do the right thing' on VMware

BOSTON, July 23 (Reuters) - EMC Corp (EMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Chief Executive Joseph Tucci said he "will do the right thing" when asked if he has absolutely ruled out spinning off the company's VMware Inc (VMW.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) software unit.

He made the comment in an earnings conference call after several analysts pressed him on his plans for VMware, which Tucci had previously said he does not plan to spin off.

"We're going to do what's in the best interest of the shareholders," Tucci told RBC analyst Thomas Curlin in response to a question about the issue.

He said he wants to focus on improving VMware's business, whose growth has slowed this year.

"It's still on a great track. We got to get it back on its almost perfect track," Tucci said.

Curlin responded: "Is it logically coherent though to say that you will do what is right for investors, but that you absolutely will not spin out VMware?"

Tucci replied, "There is a timing for everything. I kind of know a lot more about what is going on than anybody else," Tucci said. "We will do the right thing for the shareholder when and if the time is right." (Reporting by Jim Finkle; Editing by Derek Caney)